Current:Home > MarketsBen Affleck Reflects on "Painful" Mischaracterization of His Comments About Ex Jennifer Garner -AdvancementTrade
Ben Affleck Reflects on "Painful" Mischaracterization of His Comments About Ex Jennifer Garner
View
Date:2025-04-18 17:21:29
Ben Affleck has a different approach to fame after being burned in the past.
In fact, the Justice League star is reflecting on a difficult period in his life when comments he made about his marriage to Jennifer Garner were misconstrued.
"I had a really painful experience where I did an interview where I was really vulnerable," Affleck—discussing why he avoids Instagram and is cautious of interviews—recalled in a March 16 cover story for The Hollywood Reporter, "and the entire pickup was something that was not only not right, it was actually the opposite of what I meant."
During a Dec. 2021 conversation with Howard Stern, Affleck was very open about his alcohol addiction and the demise of his marriage to Garner, who he shares kids Violet, 17, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11, with.
And although the Gone Girl actor initially walked away satisfied with the interview, his words quickly made headlines. "The idea that I was blaming my wife for my drinking. To be clear, my behavior is my responsibility entirely," Affleck told THR. "The point that I was trying to make was a sad one. Anyone who's been through divorce makes that calculus of, How much do we try?"
Affleck and Garner, both 50, announced their breakup in 2015 after 10 years of marriage.
"We loved each other. We care about each other. We have respect for each other," he noted. "I was trying to say, 'Hey, look, I was drinking too much, and the less happy you become, whether it's your job, your marriage, it's just that as your life becomes more difficult, if you're doing things to fill a hole that aren't healthy, you're going to start doing more of those things.' I think I was pretty articulate about that."
The Argo director added that his comments to Stern were "mischaracterized it in order to make it clickbait, and everyone else then picked it up, and it didn't matter how many times I said, 'I do not feel this way. I'm telling you, I don't blame my ex-wife for my alcoholism.' So, yeah. It's hard."
Since their split, Affleck and Garner have remained united as co-parents, though they've moved on romantically. While the Alias alum has been in a relationship with boyfriend John Miller for several years, Affleck reunited with ex Jennifer Lopez and the duo tied the knot last year. (Twice.)
The superstar singer is even giving him advice on his relationship with the media. "So [Jennifer Lopez] tells me today, 'Relax, be yourself. Have fun. You're actually a fun guy who is real and genuine and you just seem so serious,'" Affleck said. "Do I seem serious? But as in many things, she's really right. And she loves me. She's looking out for me. She's trying to help me. So it's like, maybe I ought to f--king listen to her."
Another thing Lopez is an expert at? Social media. Though he's deleted his own Instagram account, Affleck told THR, "My wife's a genius at that. I don't know if there's anybody who understands Instagram better than her."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (426)
Related
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Circus elephant briefly escapes, walks through Butte, Montana streets: Watch video
- We Found the Best Scores in Nordstrom Rack's Top 100 Deals: Up to 83% Off on Kate Spade, Allbirds & More
- DHS announces new campaign to combat unimaginable horror of child exploitation and abuse online
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- These are weirdest things Uber passengers left behind last year
- Democrats who investigated Trump say they expect to face arrest, retaliation if he wins presidency
- Riley Strain's Family Addresses Fraternity Brothers' Reaction to Him Going Missing
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Maui Fire Department report on deadly wildfire details need for more equipment and mutual aid plans
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed
- Is Euphoria Season 3 Still Happening? Storm Reid Says…
- Uber is helping investigators look into account that sent driver to Ohio home where she was killed
- Small twin
- Teen arrested over stabbing in Australia church near Sydney that left bishop, several others wounded
- Is Euphoria Season 3 Still Happening? Storm Reid Says…
- Lakers lock up No. 7 seed with play-in tournament win over Pelicans, setting up rematch with Nuggets
Recommendation
Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
Blake Griffin announces retirement: Six-time All-Star was of NBA's top dunkers, biggest names
New York’s high court hears case on abortion insurance coverage
Patriots deny report that Robert Kraft warned Arthur Blank against hiring Bill Belichick
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Some families left in limbo after Idaho's ban on gender-affirming care for minors allowed to take effect
'We must adapt': L.L. Bean announces layoffs, reduced call center hours, citing online shopping
Uber driver shot and killed by 81-year-old Ohio man after both received scam calls, police say